HousingAnywhere is built on trust. To rent a place on HousingAnywhere, you’ll need to verify your email. To improve your chances of renting, you can also verify your ID (optional).
In this article:
Why and when we verify your account
To keep HousingAnywhere safe for everyone, we verify the information of all tenants and landlords on our platform. We ask for this information at different points, based on how you use HousingAnywhere and where you are in your rental journey.
How to verify your account
When you sign up to HousingAnywhere using your email or alternate login method (Google or Facebook), you’ll receive an email with a link to verify your email address.
Follow the instructions to verify your email. You can’t move forward until this is done. If you change your email address in your Account, we’ll ask you to re-verify it.
Mobile number
To contact landlords, you first need to share your mobile number with us. We'll ask for it when you send your first message, then validate it behind the scenes.
Identity (optional)
After you’ve contacted a landlord on HousingAnywhere, they may ask you to verify your ID. This is a good sign. It shows they’re interested in you as a tenant. Verify your identity to show the landlord you’re a real person, build trust, and show your commitment to renting. You can also verify your ID without being prompted from your Account page.
ID verification takes place through Stripe, our secure verification partner. You verify your identity with a government ID (driver’s license, passport, national ID) and a selfie.
To verify your identity:
Go to your Profile (top right)
From the dropdown, select Account
In the left navigation, select ID and contact details
Follow the steps on the screen to verify your identity
Check your verification status
You can check your verification status anytime from Profile > Account > ID and contact details.
What landlords see
When you contact a landlord, they can see on your profile whether something is verified or not.
Your email address and phone number are only shared with your future landlord once your rental is confirmed. They won’t be shared with anyone else. Your ID is never shared with anyone.
How we use and manage your information
Privacy and trust go hand in hand. Here’s how we use, share, and store your personal information.
Usage
We’ll only use your email and mobile number to share important account and rent-related details. Our Customer Care team may reach out by phone if something urgent comes up related to your rental.
Sharing
Your email and mobile number are only shared with your future landlord once your rental is confirmed. Your ID is never shared with landlords, unless you upload and share it manually as a supporting document.
Storage
The longest we hold on to your personal data is 12 months after you use your account. In most cases, account information is automatically deleted within 6 months of your move-out date or last login. ID verification is handled by Stripe on behalf of HousingAnywhere. Stripe retains your ID and selfie for 3 years.
If at any time you’d like HousingAnywhere or Stripe to delete your information, send an email to dpo@housinganywhere.com. We’ll process your request and be in touch soon.